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Good news, die-hard aficionados of movies on film: those reels will stick around for a while yet. Kodak has put the finishing touches on a deal with the six big Hollywood studios (Disney, Fox, NBC, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros.) that will maintain a steady supply of film for movie and TV directors that want to keep using the classic format. The exact terms aren't public, but it wouldn't be surprising if Kodak had the studios over a barrel. When high-profile directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino virtually insist on film, it's hard to say "no" -- you may as well be telling them to take a hike if you make them go digital. This pact won't stop the gradual death of film in theaters, of course, but creative types can take comfort in knowing that celluloid's hard-to-replicate qualities aren't going away any time soon.

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35mmagreementdealdisneyfilmfoxhdpostcrosskodakmoviemoviesnbcnbcuniversalparamountsonysonypictureswarnerbrosThu, 05 Feb 2015 04:12:00 -050021|21139249http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/valiance-online-cancels-kickstarter-seeks-stress-test-applicant/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/valiance-online-cancels-kickstarter-seeks-stress-test-applicant/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/valiance-online-cancels-kickstarter-seeks-stress-test-applicant/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsSilverhelm Studios has announced that Valiance Online will be accepting sign-ups for its inbound stress test starting today. Valiance Online is one of at least three fan-led superhero MMORPGs attempting to fill the City of Heroes niche, though Valiance has no intention of licensing the CoH IP if fan efforts to purchase it from NCsoft are ultimately successful. It promises semi-freeform character builds, power customization, an open world environment, 25 zones, character alignment, and a player-run economy.

Kickstarter
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alphacity-of-heroescohcrowdfundingIPkickstarterlicensencsoftparamountsilverhem-studiosspiritual-successorstress-testvaliancevaliance-onlineTue, 25 Nov 2014 10:30:00 -0500319|20998702http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/valiance-online-launches-a-kickstarter-today/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/valiance-online-launches-a-kickstarter-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/valiance-online-launches-a-kickstarter-today/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
A post on Valiance Online'sFacebook has good news for fans of the upcoming game: SilverHelm Studios will be bringing the game to Kickstarter today. "It's packed with all manner of goodies for you to get your hands on," Design Director Nate "Paramount" Vogeding writes. "These things will be exclusive to our KS backers and backers alone. That's right; it won't be coming back around again." Vogeding also promises more pre-alpha invites and tells readers to "let everyone know that yes, there is a city coming back and very soon!"

Quietly mentioned inside Sky's financial report for this quarter, the broadcaster has revealed that two of its streaming services will arrive on the PlayStation 4 in just a few months. Details are scant (it just says what we've written above), but both Sky Go (for existing Sky subscribers) and the more free-and-loose Now TV will both debut on the Sony console. They'll have a fight on their hands: they'll be up against the likes of Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. Sky also announced that it's renewed its movie deal with Paramount, giving it exclusive broadcast rights to the likes of Anchorman 2 and Noah. So, not even a mention of the Xbox One -- but at least that console's doing its own thing.

Update: Sky has issued a fuller press release which also mentions that Sky Go will find its way to PS3 owners (who've so far only had access to Now TV on their consoles).

Viacom sued Google and YouTube way back in 2007 for allegedly ignoring copyright infringement, and losing the lawsuit in 2010 was no deterrent -- the media giant won an appeal two years later. However, that longstanding animosity is now water under the bridge: the two companies have just reached a settlement. The companies haven't revealed the terms of their deal, although they say that it reflects a "growing collaborative dialogue" between the two sides. YouTube's gradual shift toward officially sanctioned content no doubt helped, as did a ruling that the site was protected by safe harbor rules so long as it didn't actively contribute to piracy. Whatever the exact motives, Recodehears from a source that no cash traded hands. If true, the tip suggests that Viacom didn't believe compensation would be worthwhile after so many years.

While it's no secret that film-based movie distribution won't last much longer in the US, the big Hollywood studios haven't officially completed their transition to digital. However, one of them may have quietly made that leap -- sources for the LA Timesclaim that Paramount is the first large studio to send its major movies (not just smaller flicks) to American theaters solely in digital form. Anchorman 2 was reportedly the company's last high-profile analog release, while The Wolf of Wall Street was the first to go all-digital. Paramount hasn't commented on the apparent leak. If the report is accurate, though, the 8 percent of US theaters without digital equipment now have little choice but to upgrade if they want to offer the same selection as most of their peers.

Last year Paramount and Lucasfilm delivered The Complete Adventures of Indiana Jones (minus the TV series) on Blu-ray, bringing Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and Last Crusade home in HD for the first time. Of course, obtaining any of those movies meant buying the pack (including a fourth movie), but this year Indy fans can finally pick and choose, as the three movies will hit shelves individually on December 17th. If you can live without a physical copy, Digital HD versions from the usual assortment of internet movie stores go on sale even earlier on November 19th. Each copy is up for pre-order on Amazon already for about $19, so if you want more than one and/or the extra disc with all the behind the scenes featurettes, the $45 complete set might be the way to go -- even if it means owning that other movie too. Choose wisely, and check after the break to have Raiders of the Lost Ark ruined for you forever.

Early this year, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. movie studios chose Dolby Digital Plus as their preferred means to deliver surround sound for their UltraViolet common file format (CFF) downloads. Paramount Pictures, however, has decided to go with Dolby's competitor, DTS, announcing today that the DTS-HD codec will be used in its UltraViolet CCF offerings. Like Dolby, the DTS codec delivers up to 7.1 channels of surround sound for Paramount's UV catalog -- though your cloud-based audio/visual bliss will have to wait, UltraViolet CFF isn't slated for release until sometime in the latter half of 2013.

Now that viewers can get excellent movie theater experiences at homes, studios and theaters are trying different strategies to keep bringing them in. Tomorrow night, Paramount will try a new tactic: offering buyers of its $50 "Mega Ticket" an early viewing of World War Z in 3D, plus a pair of collectible 3D glasses, a movie poster, an HD digital copy of the movie when it's available on Blu-ray, and a small (seriously?) popcorn. We're not sure if making it more expensive to go to the movies is the right way to go, but maybe it's worth it for those who are really hyped about the film. The viewing is only available at a few Regal Theaters, listed after the break if if you're interested in what's listed as $75 worth of value.

After being delayed, Top Gun 3D will be released by Paramount in 2013. Prior to his passing late last year, director Tony Scott personally oversaw the remastering and conversion of the 80's classic performed by Legend3D. According to the press release, the process of remapping and adjusting the depth of elements in the movie brings additional clarity to its aerial dogfights in both the long shots and cockpit closeups. This comes after the 3D rerelease of Titanic last year, and ahead of the theatrical return of a converted version of Jurassic Park this summer. Before the Blu-ray 3D version hits stores February 19th it's due for a six day IMAX run, although if you're only into it for the 2D (and Tom Cruise, of course) a remastered version is included as well. Check after the break for a trailer and the press release with all of the specs, it's currently available for pre-order from Amazon for $19.96.

For sci-fi lovers, it's on. A fan-devised project to restore the Enterprise-D bridge from Star Trek: The Experience is now actively raising cash on Indiegogo with a newly estimated $240,000 target needed to make the dream real. Crowdfunding brings the obligatory perks for larger donations, although they take on a progressively nerdy bent once you get past the t-shirts. It peaks at getting replicas of Captain Kirk's original chair or an LCARS terminal, and you can even get a romantic evening on the deck with "complete privacy until the next morning" -- wink, wink. Outlandish? Maybe, but the project is getting official sponsors and has a shorter-term plan to get Captain Picard's chair ready for display by October. The whole bridge should be ready by late 2013. If you'd wished Paramount had preserved this piece of The Next Generation history for the ages, you now have your solution.

Truth be told, Amazon's Prime Instant Video selection isn't the most comprehensive library on the net, but it's well on its way, thanks to a new licensing agreement with the Epix. The entertainment network, which partners with studios that include Lionsgate, MGM and Paramount, brings access to recent blockbusters like The Avengers, The Hunger Games and Thor, along with evergreen gems like Justin Bieber Never Say Never. Most importantly, it means Netflix is no longer the only subscription streaming home for those titles after its two year exclusive deal ran out. Amazon's streaming service, which includes thousands of movies and television shows, enables customers subscribing to Prime for $79 per year to stream content without additional monthly fees, in addition to benefits that include discounted shipping and a Kindle book loan program. The terms of the deal have not been announced, but the press release (available in full after the break) lists the partnership as a "multi-year licensing agreement," benefiting customers in the US.

Soon after the Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One Blu-ray set launched last week reports came in that there was an audio problem with the surround sound, and now CBS and Paramount have responded. According to a statement (included after the break) the problem is isolated to the English 7.1 DTS Master Audio track on some episodes where the front channels are mapped incorrectly. If you own the set, you can email (phe.stng@bydeluxe.com) or call (877-335-8936 between 8AM and 6PM PT) for replacements of Discs 1, 3 and 4, simply have your set nearby and ready to read the code located on the inner ring. You won't need to send in your discs, and the replacements are expected to ship after August 10th and take up to five days to arrive.

Undecided about buying the first season (or two) of the remastered Star Trek: The Next Generation? We understand, but perhaps this pair of trailers will change your mind. The increase in quality is obvious to see, with the recomposed special effects and 7.1 DTS HD even offsetting the pain of re-watching episodes like Shades of Gray and Haven. The second set also includes a reunion talk, interesting just to see how much the stars of the show have changed in the intervening two-and-a-half-decades. You can watch both after the break, but if you decide to hold off until season three, we won't tell anyone.

The Android Market became Google Play to focus on how it pushes media, and now it's adding a few new options. On stage at Google I/O 2012 the company just announced it's adding support for the purchase of movies, as well as TV shows by episode or by season, and even magazines all available today. That's in addition to the existing apps, movie rentals, music and books. Oh, and look, Google just introduced a new tablet that you can use to access all of that content. We'll keep an eye out for an exact list of all the new media partners, although mentioned on stage were magazines including Hearst, Conde Nast and Meredith long with TV networks Disney / ABC, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures and Paramount . Check out our Google I/O live blog for even more details as they're announced, and look after the break for video introductions.

Fans of the Indiana Jones series already got the good news in March that the flicks are finally coming to Blu-ray this year, and now we know when. Paramount has set September 18th as the release date, and also finally revealed cover art for the set, seen above... yeah, that's really it. No matter how cartoony it is (or how mind-numbing Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was) we're sure some will still be lining up when it ships. For their trouble, they can expect a "meticulously restored" edition of Raiders of the Lost Ark, after a process supervised by director Steven Spielberg and sound designer Ben Burtt. This has included a 4K scan of the original negatives, as well as a revisiting to the original audio mix, with music tracks and sound effects that had previously only been used in mono upgraded to stereo surround for the 5.1 DTS-HD MA track. Check after the break for a press release with more details on the restoration and a trailer for the boxed set, or head to Amazon where the price is currently sitting at $90 to preorder.

It appears that Microsoft is picking up the pace on the addition of video streaming apps for the Xbox 360. After it took months for many of the more anticipated apps from the first wave like HBO Go, Verizon and Comcast to arrive, a new app from Paramount has been released just days after it was part of the next wave announced at E3. The Paramount Movies app is a console based version of its Ultraviolet service already unleashed on the PC and iOS, letting users stream digital copies from their cloud libraries. While the overall Ultraviolet sign-up process and its multiple logins hasn't gotten any easier, once we created a ParamountMovies.com account we were able to stream a copy of Hugo unlocked by the Blu-ray 3D version in HD just by signing into the free app (XBL gold subscription required) on the Xbox 360 -- no antiquated discs necessary. There's no word on the other apps Microsoft announced were headed to the Xbox 360, but we'll keep an eye out for the arrival of WatchESPN all the same.

Microsoft's E3 2012 keynote has seen it kick up the video content by more than a few notches: it's adding 35 new content providers for the Xbox 360. Machinima, Slacker, Nickelodeon, Paramount and Univision are among the picks, but the real highlight is the sports push: the NBA and NHL will both have the live treatment that we've previously seen with the MLB. If you're a fan of the existing ESPN app, you're in for your own treat, too: a revamp, Watch ESPN, will provide 24/7 live video that includes sports from ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPNU. The timetables for each rollout will vary, but you can be sure you'll have an even wider selection before too long.

Amazon is keeping its pace of expanding Amazon Prime's video collection every few months, and today it's Paramount's turn to swell the ranks. Instant Video is getting 'hundreds' of Paramount's movies, including both relatively recent movies like Nacho Libre and Mission: Impossible III as well as back catalog titles like Breakfast at Tiffany's and Clear and Present Danger. As always, the movies are watchable anywhere you've got broadband, and they don't add a premium to the $79 yearly Prime subscription. Just be prepared to explain why you're watching Urban Cowboy on your Kindle Fire at the airport.

It's reasonably well known at this point that Apple is looking to line up partnerships for some sort of a streaming video service. We've heard again and again that it's coming, so get ready to hum along with that 'ol tune one more time. Reuters is reporting that Apple has been in negotiations with Epix since earlier this year, hoping to secure access to films from Lions Gate, MGM and Paramount Pictures. There's no indication of when such a service might come to light, but Reuters indicates the company's current deal with Netflix, which expires on September 1st, could be a conflict (though that hasn't stopped Google TV in the past). So, no proper Apple-branded TV until the fall? Stay tuned...

Nothing like a smooth action movie with Tom Cruise to inspire our latest giveaway, eh? This time Paramount Home Media Distribution is stepping up to the plate to celebrate tomorrow's release of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol on Blu-ray and DVD, and it's offering a pair of special edition Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles (by special edition, we mean the box is M:I-branded), as well as a copy of the movie! But if you don't win this time, you may still have a chance to get something: the first two runners-up will receive the movie as well. Fortunately, all you need to do is leave a comment -- we're not asking you to climb a skyscraper or anything.

While its corporate parent Viacom continues to tussle with Google over who is liable for user uploaded content, Paramount Pictures has struck a deal to offer its movies for rental on YouTube / Google Play in the US and Canada. According to Google that adds up to around 500 new movies becoming available on the service over the next few weeks including hits like Ferris Bueller and The Godfather. Those catalog titles are currently available on 48hr joypasses for $3.99/$2.99 (HD/SD) each, while newer titles like Hugo are $4.99/$3.99. Also worth noting is that now the folks at Mountain View can count five of the six major studios (Fox is still out) among their offerings. We'll see if this signals a thawing relationship between Google and the studios upset that pirated copies of their content are so easily found via Google's searches (doubt it), but at least Android users can look forward to more easily accessible content.

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android marketAndroidMarketcanadaferris buellerFerrisBuellerfoxgooglegoogle playgoogle tvGooglePlayGoogleTvhdpostcrossinternet videoInternetVideolawsuitmobilepostcrossmoviesparamountparamount picturesParamountPicturesrentalusviacomvideo on demandVideoOnDemandvodyoutubeWed, 04 Apr 2012 08:58:00 -040021|20208235http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/the-complete-indiana-jones-blu-ray-collection/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/the-complete-indiana-jones-blu-ray-collection/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/the-complete-indiana-jones-blu-ray-collection/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#commentsIt's taken forever to come about, but the first three Indiana Jones movies will be released on Blu-ray for the first time later this year. Paramount announced it will deliver The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection this fall (no exact date yet), without explaining how it could possibly be complete if it lacked The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. This set does however include the three movies everyone wants to see (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) plus the other one (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) which was previously released on Blu-ray. Paramount and Lucasfilm are promising the "highest possible" picture and audio quality plus a collection of the usual behind the scenes featurettes and extras plus some surprises. Judging by the work Lucasfilm and Fox did on the Star Wars Blu-ray discs we should be in for a treat, and fans of other classic Spielberg flicks have a lot to look forward to from Universal's centennial celebration releases which will include Jaws and E.T. While we wait for more details, hardcore Indy fans can already get their preorder on at Amazon where the set is priced at $74.99, or check after the break for the press release and a few throwback trailers.

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Blu-raygeorge lucasGeorgeLucashdpostminiindiana jonesindiana jones and the kingdom of the crystal skullindiana jones and the last crusadeindiana jones and the temple of doomIndianaJonesIndianaJonesAndTheKingdomOfTheCrystalSkullIndianaJonesAndTheLastCrusadeIndianaJonesAndTheTempleOfDoomlucasfilmparamountraiders of the lost arkRaidersOfTheLostArksteven spielbergStevenSpielbergthe complete indiana jones blu-ray collectionTheCompleteIndianaJonesBlu-rayCollectionvideoThu, 01 Mar 2012 07:55:00 -050021|20183397http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/04/martin-scorsese-hugo-blu-ray-3d/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/04/martin-scorsese-hugo-blu-ray-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/04/martin-scorsese-hugo-blu-ray-3d/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#commentsConsidering that Hugo was a flick capable of earning 4 out of 4 stars from noted 3D hater Roger Ebert, it will be interesting to see how it's received upon its home release February 28th. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards and currently rocking a 94 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the fantasy tale of a boy who crosses paths with legendary filmmaker Georges Méliès in 1930s Paris may be the best example yet of how an artist can make use of the effect. The two hour six minute flick will be available in Blu-ray 3D combo pack, and 2D Blu-ray editions, with a 7.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack and special featurettes on the making of the film and the real magician/director who inspired the story.

The release date is two days after the Academy Awards, and if this flick can snag Best Picture or Best Director it could become a turning point for 3D. New 3D movies are already on deck from other high-profile directors like Ridley Scott (Alien prequel Prometheus) and Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby), while big budget conversions like Star Wars -- coming to theaters next week -- and already-sold-out-for-Valentines Day Titanic test the waters for older movies. Add in sports broadcasts planned including UFC 143 tonight and the London Olympics in the summer, and 2012 is shaping up to be an especially rough year for 3D haters -- you have our deepest sympathies. Those on the other side of the fence can check after the break for a press release with more details and (2D) theatrical trailer, it's currently available on Amazon for preorders at $27.99, 2D only is $21.99.

Paramount became the first studio to offer digital versions of UltraViolet-based movies this week, with the launch of Paramount Movies. With this new service, users can purchase a film in either digital or physical form, and automatically store a copy of it within Paramount's cloud-based digital locker. This effectively allows you to stream a film to any iOS device, though support for Android and Windows Phone remains unavailable (as does compatibility with most set-top boxes). It's all part of DECE's "buy once, play anywhere" ethos, though it should be noted that the studio's UV offerings are somewhat limited. At the moment, Paramount Movies boasts about 60 titles, all of which are available at comparatively steep prices: $20 for HD quality movies, and $13 for SD versions. Check it out for yourself at the source link below.